Top of the table decider

Harden Red Devils and Young Yabbies in the 2020 Oilsplus South West grand final. IMAGE: Stuart Walmsley

Five rounds into the Oilsplus South West competition, Young Yabbies are finding their place.

This weekend is a top of the table clash with equal first place Yabbies taking on the Harden Red Devils in a repeat of the 2020 grand final.

The Yabbies had a convincing away win over the Cootamundra Rams, 31 to 10, last weekend.

Yabbies clubman Nick Duff said it was quite significant to get a convincing win over Cootamundra at their homeground, given their on field tussle over the past few years.

They brought the Ben Smith Memorial Trophy back to Young for 2021. Duff said it’s a real honour to have it back in Young. Smith had played for both clubs and the trophy is to remember the widely adored rugby man.

“From all reports, Ben was a champion bloke, and was another tragic life taken too soon. Bringing back the trophy for 2021 was a great achievement,” Duff said.

“We knew it was going to be a hard-fought match, but we came away with the chocolates.”

“The forwards definitely laid the platform. Without them, the scoreline wouldn’t have been what it was.”

Set with another away match this weekend, the Harden Red Devils face the Yabbies at Roberts Park. It’s also Harden Red Devils Ladies Day, which adds to the hometown advantage.

Both teams have won five from five, with Harden beating the Temora Tuskers 54 to 22 last weekend. This match will define who takes the competition lead. “It’s definitely going to be an uphill battle,” Duff said, with Harden being their other main rival.

“I think we’ve got the manpower, the boys are ready. After last week’s performance, morale is high.”

She Devils and Yabettes start at 2pm, with the first division kicking off at 3:15pm.